Hezbollah in Talks with All Political, Religious Groups in Lebanon: Official

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A senior member of the central council of Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement highlighted the movement’s major role in reducing tensions in the Arab country and said Hezbollah has entered negotiations with all political and religious groups.

Speaking to Tasnim, Khader Nooruddin pointed to recent remarks made by Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who has reiterated his backing for Hezbollah’s presence in his government despite pressure from Saudi Arabia, and said Hezbollah has been in talks with him.

Hezbollah’s negotiations are not limited to those with Hariri or the Future Movement political party, he said, adding that Hezbollah is in talks with all political and religious groups and has no problem with any parties.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal in his first interview with a US newspaper since he withdrew his resignation in December, Hariri dared to defy Saudi Arabia, largely thought to be behind his shock resignation from Riyadh in November.

“Hezbollah has been a member of this government. This is an inclusive government that has all the big political parties, and that brings political stability to the country,” Hariri said. “My main goal is to preserve this political stability for the unity of the country.”

Back in November, Hariri blamed interference in Lebanon by Iran and Hezbollah for his decision to quit, an allegation the two have repeatedly denied.